Art and aromas and a whole lot of other things soothe your senses as we take you through the alleys of passions, dreams and aspirations. This is where acting and theatre take centrestage and food plays a starring role. There is buzz in and around this area, which houses a number of theatre and art auditoriums. And a small, yet popular orange coloured Chinese snack van called Turant, just next to Triveni Kala Sangam, serves a wide range of mouth-watering Chinese snacks at prices that won’t hurt your wallet.
It draws students, art lovers and professionals, who spend endless hours chatting over food or simply sipping soup and gulping yummy momos. Most of them seem to be lost in their own world discussing matters that could change the world. Conversations swing between art, music and theatre. One can hear an art enthusiast analysing a famous painting, a film buff talking of a young Indian director’s avant-garde attempt at cinema or listen to dancers discussing their next moves
Avers Sonia Roy, a Hindustani classical dancer and teacher, Shri Ram Bhartiya Kala Kendra, who is attached to this place and often comes here with friends and students. “I think despite so many small cafeterias spread all around Mandi House, this one is the best. I remember, when I was a student, we would often come here and chat and gossip for hours. I remember treating my friends, when I was praised for my dance performance. It used to be the ‘affordable’ treat and we would love the spicy Chinese snacks. Now, I still come here with students, just to keep those fun memories alive,” she adds.
For those, who love to savour snacks (starting from Rs 40 onwards), a scrumptious plate of chopsuey and thupka is just perfect. This place is a hit, especially among students who want to grab a quick bite and are living on a shoestring budget. The melt-in-the-mouth momos and soups are ideal to satiate their appetite, after completing rounds of exhaustive rehearsals or auditions. “It’s a 22-year-old Chinese snack van, and has served many popular stage artistes and dancers. Although we open at 11 in the morning, people start coming in the evening, and then it feels like a celebration. These days, our crispy potato is most popular,” says Sonam, one of the employees of the van.
Tuhinanshu Chatturvedi, a theatre artiste and an RJ, says that this area is popular for quick munchies. “When I was a kid, I did a drama workshop and at times my after classes, my dad would buy me chowmein or sweet corn soup in winters. Even now, sometimes after morning rehearsals or late night practice, we order stuff from there,” he adds. If you really want to have some fun and enjoy a hot meal head to this place for a plate of fried rice. Like a power-packed performance that never fails to enthral Delhiites, the spicy Chinese munchies will leave you asking for more.